Marc Benioff, the CEO and co-founder of Salesforce, is under fire following a controversial joke he made regarding US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a corporate event. His remarks have sparked outrage among employees, many of whom are now calling for a reevaluation of the company’s business ties with the agency.
A Controversial Conference Address
During a keynote speech at an internal conference in Las Vegas, Benioff reportedly invited international employees to stand, before quipping that ICE agents were present and watching them. This comment was met with immediate disapproval, as attendees reacted with boos. Several employees subsequently shared their discontent with various media outlets, including Wired and 404Media. In the aftermath, a recording of the speech was edited to omit the remarks about ICE.
This incident has prompted a significant backlash from Salesforce workers, who are reportedly planning to petition Benioff to publicly denounce ICE and reconsider any ongoing contracts with the agency. The mood at Salesforce appears to be shifting, with employees expressing fears for their colleagues on international visas and demanding accountability from leadership.
Shifting Political Landscape
Benioff’s political stance has evolved over recent years, particularly during Donald Trump’s presidency. Although he was previously aligned with progressive causes — such as supporting a 2018 initiative in San Francisco aimed at taxing large corporations to fund homelessness services — his recent comments suggest a pivot towards more controversial views. Last autumn, he publicly backed Trump’s administration, going so far as to suggest the deployment of National Guard troops in San Francisco, although he later retracted those statements.
While Salesforce has maintained contracts with ICE, the current uproar indicates a potential fracture between Benioff’s leadership and the values held by many employees. The juxtaposition between his past advocacy for social issues and his present comments has raised questions about corporate governance and accountability.
Employee Responses and Internal Criticism
The backlash against Benioff’s comments has been vocal. Employees have taken to platforms like Slack and LinkedIn to express their concerns and frustrations. Farone Rasheed, a Salesforce employee, articulated the fears faced by international team members, stating, “I am fearful for my friends and co-workers on my team who are here on international visas… I’m shocked, angered, sad and frustrated by the views espoused by the leadership at Salesforce this week.”
Rob Seaman, the general manager of Slack — a company owned by Salesforce — also condemned Benioff’s remarks in an internal communication, stating that he could not defend the comments made during the conference. Seaman’s response reflects a broader sentiment among employees who feel disillusioned by the current leadership.
Salesforce has yet to issue an official response regarding the incident.
Why it Matters
The unfolding situation at Salesforce is emblematic of a broader conversation about corporate responsibility and the ethical obligations of leaders in a politically charged environment. As employees demand accountability and align corporate practices with values of inclusivity and respect, the ability of leadership to navigate these tensions will be crucial. The response from Benioff and Salesforce will not only determine the future of employee relations but may also reshape the company’s public image and business dealings with government agencies like ICE.
